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Newsletter October 2009
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Rooster Morris
PO Box 269
Rockdale, Texas 76567
800-866-2685
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News & Views
October 2009 |
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Creativity Can Be Taught!
Many years and many miles ago, I attended a roundtable discussion with some well-known songwriters, poets, and authors. Little did I know that I sat down beside a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professional Broadway actor who was also a creative writing professor at Texas A&M. During the discussion, someone asked the professor if he could teach people to think creatively. He answered by saying, "I can teach the basics of creative writing--but no, I cannot teach people to think creatively." Hearing those words, I felt a worthy challenge begin to smolder in my mind.
The professor and I became close friends in a very short time. Every conversation with him was an award-worthy performance of wit, humor, experience, expression, and knowledge. His untimely death was difficult for me to accept--how could someone so alive be gone? After all these years, I still call on my imagination for his advice and pointers to boost me through the next challenge.
About four years ago, I was asked to speak to students about writing. I was apprehensive because I wasn't sure what I could say that would help elementary students with writing prompts and tests. Teachers, principals, and curriculum directors agreed that the hardest concept for elementary students to grasp was voice. No wonder! When I looked it up in the dictionary, there was an entire half-page devoted to the definition of voice.
As I traveled around, I asked teachers for their definition of voice. The answers were as varied as Texas Panhandle temperatures. This began to keep me up at night. I would awake with thoughts that I would jot down, only to find they didn't make a lot of sense when I tried to apply them to my question. After a full year of working on a Writing Workshop, a definition became clear to me. Voice is our ability to express. Finally, I was getting somewhere.
Since that time, I have developed a Writing Workshop that is teaching kids to think creatively. From what teachers and librarians are telling me, my reading and writing programs are teaching students how to use their creative minds. The workshop is teaching students that their creative minds will work for them!
Despite what the professor said, I believe that anyone can learn to think creatively. I wish my old friend were still around to see it.
Helping students succeed:
While at a school last month, a principal told me that one of his prolific writers didn't write anything on the writing test because he didn't know what the word 'composition' meant. Now, the writing teachers are making sure that students understand the definition of 'essay,' 'composition,' and 'story.'
We are always listening for tips that help students succeed with reading and writing. If you have a tip or story to share, please email me! roosterrdz@aol.com
Until next time, your partner in literacy (and writing),
Rooster
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Programs & Schedule
Chat with an Author
Our newest program allows students to chat with Rooster via Instant Messenger. Your students can compile their questions and Rooster will answer them. Sessions are 30 minutes to one hour. Rooster uses Windows Messenger but is willing to use other programs if necessary. Rooster is also set up with Skype and would love to have his first 'chat' with students. If your school has Skype capabilities and would like to interview Rooster, email Jody and be the first school to use this new technology!
Teacher Workshops
Rooster has developed a workshop just for teachers that includes the teachers writing as a modeling exercise. Rooster has found that when he gives a writing workshop and the teachers write with the students, the students perform better. Teachers have said, "Thank you for the fresh new ideas. I can use them every day!"
Author Visit
The students will see and hear for themselves how Rooster went from being a horse rider to a book writer; from a reluctant reader to a creator of a children's series. Rooster will share how reading to kids was the inspiration for him to begin writing and how it was kids who helped him overcome his fear of writing.
The reading program includes Rooster performing readings and songs from his books. He will bring the characters to life with incredible voices, music, and sound effects. Rooster interacts with the audience by asking volunteers to help him perform some of the songs from the Axle Galench series. The kids get to share the microphone and perform in character while the audience cheers them on!
Rooster speaks about the importance of habits. He encourages the kids to read and write every day so they can be experts in school. Rooster's program is filled with practical strategies to help students truly Succeed with Reading.
Rooster performing with students at a school
The intriguing and compelling story of Axle Galench becomes a personal experience as the audience enters into the saga of this little boy's journey into the land of Bedlam.
What better way to show your students how much fun reading can be than to watch a published author do just that?
Targeted audience is 1st grade to adult.
Writing Workshop
This 60-minute session helps students with the writing process. Beginning with getting those first great ideas down on paper in list form, to adding dialogue, and then writing an actual essay based on an imaginary event, this workshop gives students skills that will last them a lifetime. Rooster will ask for volunteers to read their stories to the group. This workshop is a GREAT CONFIDENCE BUILDER for students and teachers, alike!
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
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October 19, 2009
Zia Intermediate School
Artesia, New Mexico
YESO Elementary
Artesia, New Mexico
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October 20, 2009
Yucca Elementary
Roselawn Elementary
Hermosa Elementary
Central Elementary
Artesia, New Mexico
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October 21, 2009
Hagerman Elementary
Hagerman, New Mexico
Dexter Elementary
Dexter, New Mexico
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October 22, 2009
Parkview Elementary
Clovis, New Mexico
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October 23, 2009
Mesa Elementary
Clovis, New Mexico
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October 27, 2009
Lindsay Elementary
Lindsay, Texas
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October 28, 2009
Valley View Elementary (AM)
Valley View, Texas
Era Elementary (PM)
Era, Texas
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October 29, 2009
Cooke County Library (10:00 AM)
Gainesville, Texas
Muenster Elementary (PM)
Muenster, Texas
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November 2-3, 2009
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
Amarillo, Texas
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November 4-5, 2009
The Ritz Theater
Wellington, Texas
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November 10, 2009
Daulton Elementary
Mansfield, Texas
Follow-up Writing/Revision Workshop
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November 11, 2009
B. J. Smith Elementary
Mesquite, Texas
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November 12, 2009
Crow Elementary
Arlington, Texas
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November 13, 2009
Peaster Elementary
Peaster, Texas
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November 17, 2009
Calvert ISD
Calvert, Texas
Follow-up Writing/Revision Workshop
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December 9, 2009
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Hobbs, New Mexico
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December 10, 2009
Hobbs Municipal Schools
Hobbs, New Mexico
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December 11, 2009
Broadmoor Elementary
Hobbs, New Mexico
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December 14, 2009
Ventana Ranch Elementary
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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January 12, 2010
Bales Intermediate
Friendswood, Texas
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January 29, 2010
Honey Grove Elementary
Honey Grove, Texas
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February 17, 2010
White Oaks Elementary
Fairfax, Virginia
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February 18, 2010
Oak View Elementary
Fairfax, Virginia
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March 2-6, 2010
Peoria Schools
Peoria, Arizona
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March 12, 2010
Mary Michael Elementary
San Antonio, Texas
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April 7-9, 2010
New Mexico Library Association Conference
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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For more information about Rooster's programs, visit www.laid-back.com or call 800-866-2685.
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Video & Media
To watch Rooster's videos on YouTube or read articles from newspapers, click on the appropriate link below:
To download and read media articles, click here. The articles are listed on the right side of the page. 
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Land of Enchantment Award Nominee
Axle Galench
in Search of Barnsfoggon
has been named to the
New Mexico Land of Enchantment
Award Reading List
for 2009-2010!
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TCA Deadlines
Rooster is on the TCA's Touring Roster. This means that schools and libraries can apply for a mini-grant to help cover Rooster's fee and expenses.
For performances occurring:
September 1 - December 14, 2009
the application deadline is August 1, 2009.
December 15 - March 14, 2010,
the application deadline is November 1, 2009.
March 15 - June 14, 2010,
the application deadline is February 1, 2010.
June 15 - August 31, 2010,
the application deadline is May 1, 2010.
There are special funds available for programs hosted in the Rio Grande Valley and in the Midland / Odessa area.
For more information about mini-grants, you can call TCA at 512-463-5535 ext. 0, or call Jody at 800-866-2685, or email jody@laid-back.com.
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Quotes from the Audience
"Rooster is one of the most entertaining and inspiring presenters for children that I have had the pleasure of encountering. Since his program, my students have been showing me where they are in the books that they purchased from him. They are even more excited than before about reading. Thank you Rooster."
Brenda Reeves, Principal
Oregon Elementary
Alamogordo, New Mexico
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"I just want to comment on the great author visit our elementary school
had recently. Texas author, Rooster Morris, entertained and educated our
first - fifth grade students by reading excerpts from his book The Gate
of No Return with distinctive character voices and songs he has
composed for those characters. When he pulled out his fiddle and invited
the kids to sing along, they loved it!
All grades enjoyed the program, including our special needs students,
and I've heard nothing but positive comments from students and teachers.
The fourth grade students are eager to write after attending a special
writing workshop with Rooster, and the fourth grade teachers are pleased
that there is a TAKS workbook they can use with Rooster's books.
If you have a chance to have Rooster Morris visit your school, I highly
recommend him. He has a book on the New Mexico state reading list
(similar to the Bluebonnet list) so he is sure to be in demand there as
well."
Linda Ayers, Librarian
Stanton-Smith Elementary
Whitehouse, Texas
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"I want to tell you about positive experience we just had. We recently hosted author Rooster Morris in our elementary school. He has a great show! He performed for our elementary early in the day and after lunch did a writing workshop with our 4th graders. His performance was so much fun for the kids. He sang, played the fiddle and had the kids engaged the entire show. He currently has two books out which are both on the AR list. We were fortunate to receive a grant from Texas Commission of the Arts to help us with the cost of the visit. The grant was very easy to apply for! "
Lori Hooton, District Librarian
Alba-Golden ISD
Alba, Texas
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"We completely enjoyed your presentation. Our students were spellbound with your stories and the voices you made while reading your book. Thank you for your ideas and encouragement with writing for the students. I was amazed at how they responded to your ideas about writing while in such a large group. Also, they really enjoyed hearing other students' stories. You related well with the children, and really knew how they would think and respond. We all look forward to your next book, too! I do hope you will come back again."
Celia Eldridge, 4th Grade teacher
Stanton-Smith Elementary
Whitehouse, Texas
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"I visited with my students to get feedback from them on what they liked about Rooster's visit. They were so impressed that a real author read their stories!
The things they liked:
* the topic
* he told them to close their eyes and imagine (visualize)
* when he talked about how he did it, it helped open their imaginations
* steps - they liked that he had them make a list before they wrote the essay
I asked them if they wanted me to devise some questions so they could make a list before they write their Halloween scary story and they liked that idea."
Carey Carpenter, 4th Grade Writing
Alba-Golden Elementary
Alba, Texas 76567
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"Having Rooster is like a breath of fresh air for the students. He motivates students to extend ideas in writing and to stretch their imaginations. All students were engaged for the hour and a half Rooster presented and I even caught them trying to mimic his sound effects as he told his story. I am looking forward to his return when he will follow up on the student writing program he presented. I would recommend Rooster for any grade level. The icing on the cake is the fiddle playing - it was a great time for all - teachers included."
Lynn Kostel, Librarian
Anna May Daulton Elementary
Mansfield, Texas
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"Rooster Morris is a masterful storyteller who employs unbelievable, vocal sound effects to engage all ages of elementary students. Our students were alternately spellbound and laughing with abandon. The writing workshop was invaluable and made our students feel like genuine authors."
Jan Payne, Librarian
Paramount Terrace Elementary
Amarillo, Texas
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"Thank you for coming to our school. I liked singing with you and I liked it when you played the fiddle. Your songs are fun! Please come back to our school!"
Michael C.
Yucca Elementary
Alamogordo, New Mexico
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Rooster's Bookshelf
Rooster is carrying these books with him this month:
In Search of Barnsfoggon
The Gate of No Return
Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
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Author Visit on DVD
If your school is unable to host an author visit, consider purchasing Rooster's DVD of one of his live performances. Recorded professionally in Carrollton, Texas, this DVD begins with Rooster telling the story of how he became a writer. He then introduces the characters from his series and includes a reading from The Gate of No Return. Members of the audience help Rooster perform several of the Axle songs.
This hour-long program will bring Rooster and Axle to life for your students! Click here for more information.
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As promised, an update on the third book: Axle Galench and the Spin Lizard Rescue is due for release in January! We will send an email with the exact date soon, and at that time, we will accept pre-orders.
Thank you for your continued interest and support,
Rooster Morris and Jody Logsdon
LBW Media, Inc.
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Laid-Back West, Inc. | PO BOX 269 | Rockdale | TX | 76567
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